Daily Bread January 29

An Unexpected Message
Karen Smith of Ludington, MI, USA


He gives power to the faint,
  and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
  and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
  they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
  they shall walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:29-31

I had retreated to Bryant Woods to spend quiet time reconnecting with nature and God. Sitting alone on a park bench, I prayed for peace while contemplating my many responsibilities. Sometimes it can all be so overwhelming, and I wondered if I’m doing any good at all.

I prayed about it, left it in God’s hands, and started back down the path to my car, when I glimpsed something red hidden behind a tree branch. The message shared on a small painted rock was the perfect reply to my prayer: “This is a tiny reminder that you can do anything.”

Misty-eyed, I reentered the world ready for a new day. God provides for all who look to God for guidance and strength, including you.

Shalom.

Prayer Phrase

Let your heart be broken for a world in need. -Bryan Jeffrey Leech, \xc2\xa9 1976 Fred Bock Music Company, Community of Christ Sings 353

Spiritual Practice

Lament

Lament is an expression of our grief, sorrow, and sometimes confession to God amid the brokenness, injustice, and suffering of the human family. Lament is a major theme of the psalms and an invitation to “let our hearts be broken” as we humbly pray for awareness of right and restorative action. Spend time each day this month practicing the prayer of Lament.

Loving God, break my heart open to my own and others’ suffering because of injustice. Help me stay with what is real even when it is uncomfortable.

Forgiving God, grow in me an awareness of the ways that I consciously and unconsciously contribute to systems of violence, suffering, and injustice.

Healing God, open my eyes to invitations to relieve the physical and spiritual suffering of others.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.

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